Another Thing to Recycle!

As I was perusing the internet for fun, greenie ideas, as I commonly do, I came across Nike’s ReUse A Shoe Program and I have to admit, I was shocked that I had never heard of it before!

You haven’t either?


Well, Nike, in all their shoe splendor has decided to start and athletic shoe recycling program. They accept your old athletic shoes (and not just Nike!) and they recycle them with partner organizations to create this stuff called Nike Grind (which is rubber, foam and fabric), which is then used to make sports surfaces such as outdoor basketball and tennis courts, indoor basketball courts, running track, playgrounds and even mini or full soccer fields.

Pretty cool, huh!

So, of course, I’m going to be talking to friends, family and co-workers to see about collecting some old athletic shoes. Because, I have a pair of shoes, seriously, that I’d feel terrible donating to goodwill because although they aren’t torn up, I ran in them… a lot… and frankly, if I were someone else I’d be afraid to get within smelling range let alone put my feet in them.
But that’s not the topic at hand!

So, interested in getting rid of some old athletic shoes and want to make a difference? This is how! And yes, there’s even a list of recycling drop off’s in your area or an address to which you can mail your shoes to. But I guess they didn’t include a scripted apology note to your mail person who must handle your stinky shoes, maybe I should suggest that? Or maybe it’s just me with the stinky shoes?

Well, since my rain barrel project has been put off once again, it looks like I may be starting this one up! Join me? Want to send me your shoes?